League of Arab States Secretary-General receives ESCWA Executive Secretary to strengthen institutional cooperation

Secretary-General of the League of Arab States Mr Nabil Fahmy received Dr Rania Al-Mashat, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA), at the headquarters of the General Secretariat.

The meeting focused on strengthening institutional cooperation and deepening coordination between the two organisations in support of the Arab region’s development priorities amid a rapidly evolving regional and international landscape.

The Secretary-General underscored the strategic nature of the partnership between the League of Arab States and ESCWA.

He stressed the importance of building on the considerable progress achieved in recent years, further developing joint working mechanisms, and translating shared priorities into practical initiatives that support Arab development and reinforce joint Arab action.

The Secretary-General’s official spokesperson stated that Mr Fahmy and Dr Al-Mashat reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing cooperation and coordination between the two institutions in a manner that promotes regional development and integration, strengthens the Arab region’s engagement in international forums, and enhances its capacity to respond effectively to emerging challenges.

Discussions addressed a number of priority areas, including digital transformation, artificial intelligence, development financing, climate change, and progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

The spokesperson added that the two sides agreed on a framework for future cooperation and the principal objectives to be pursued during the next phase.

The framework provides for more regular consultations at the senior-official level, alongside the development of a joint programme of work setting out cooperation priorities and clear mechanisms for implementation and follow-up.

The framework seeks to maximise complementarity between the League’s political and coordinating role and ESCWA’s technical expertise, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and impact of joint initiatives in support of Arab states.

It is also intended to lay the groundwork for the implementation of the Arab Vision 2045, adopted by the Arab Summit as the region’s long-term strategic framework for sustainable development.